Aria has attended twice weekly therapy at @thebellcenter since she was just 4 months old. She’s grown and learned so much...she’s flourishing here!
The Bell Center is a privately funded not-for-profit organization; fundraising throughout the year is crucial for them to continue to offer the early intervention services that have been so helpful for our precious girl. Their biggest annual fundraising event is Birmingham’s upcoming Mercedes-Benz Marathon @run_mercedes. We’re honored that @jeanniecolquett Executive Director of The Bell Center is running in honor of Aria this year!
If you feel led to support The Bell Center, a place near and dear to our family, please visit: bit.ly/bellrun19

Little Lainey Grace turned 10 months old on the 18th! How?!?!😱 it’s safe to say birthday planning is in full force! I cannot believe she’s going to be 1 so soon! She’s got one little tooth and a second is on the way. She’s rockin’ it in physical and feeding therapy and loves any and all attention! She says dada all the time and says mama when she’s mad LOL. She loves loves loves her big sis, I can’t wait for the day that they are both running around together getting into trouble! Lainey girl we love you so much and all the love and happiness you bring to our family! 💖

My husband and I both travel for work periodically but it has never fallen in the same month until now. So January has been a little chaotic to say the least. In case anyone is wondering... we’re surviving just fine 😆

I recently turned FOUR MONTHS OLD, and Mommy finally made me a hat (just in time for the arctic freeze). As of today, I weigh 14 lbs. 6 oz. and I’m 24.5” long. I just started grabbing things and blowing raspberries. I don’t love tummy time or being alone. The good news is that I’m almost never alone! Tummy time appears to be non-negotiable. My nicknames are Mino and Teddy Bear. My favorite things to do are nurse and smile. I am very loved!
#mightymilojack

Episode 5 just dropped 🙌🏽 On this episode of the Advocate Like a Mother podcast, we got together to chat with Jen Jacob, author, co-founder, and executive director of Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, the DSDN @thedsdn
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We ( @rockin.mom @meeshellsullivan and @_ashleymontano ) all shared our diagnosis stories. Then we spoke to Jen about her nonprofit - The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network launched in 2014, their biggest focus is to inform, connect and support new families from pregnancy to 3 years. They also have small private birth club groups where you can connect and find others. They also provide resources for doctors. Local organizations and medical professionals have so much power so when we all work together, magic happens.
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Here are a couple quotes that parents shared they heard from their doctors when they were given their diagnosis on the DSDN website: “Your son has a long life to look forward to. The only limitations they will have are the ones you set for him so make sure not to set any.” And the best one: “I can’t tell you what they won’t be able to do. I can’t do that with any baby.” Hearing something positive from your doctor from the beginning can make a huge difference. When you get that diagnosis and you’re in a daze or feeling hopeless, this episode is for you.
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To any parent struggling with a child that has any diagnosis, you are not alone. We are here to help encourage you, and to help find your community #advocatelikeamotherpodcast

MLK Day makes me think of progress. Just like this quote. “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. .
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This picture was taken 1 year ago when my brother took some of his very first steps at 2.5 years old.
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Now, he runs around the house all day like it’s no big deal.
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Progress is important no matter how big or small it is.
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Tell me how you’ve progressed lately!

I know how I’m spending my evening! So excited to sponsor @advocatelikeamother most resent episode with @thedsdn founder Jen. It’s no secret we are huge fans of @thedsdn and are 100% behind their mission to connect families and the medical community to up to date information + real life examples of life with T21. Jump over to @advocatelikeamother and listen in to see how Jen took her sons diagnosis experience and turned it into a life of service to 100s of families around the world. .
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#advocatelikeamother#podcast#momlife#nothingdownaboutit#morealikethandifferent#downsyndromelove#rockinmoms#t21

My cute Jayne...she is always giving me the sweetest notes and pictures. 💕
The other day, I had to take my son to practice so I left Jayne and Millie home with their big sister. I asked them to finish their dinner and put away their toys while I was gone so we could read stories before bed. When I got home, there was spinach salad all over the kitchen floor and they were up in their room “decorating” by stringing yarn everywhere and sticking it to their beds with rainbow tape!🤷‍♀️😂 They are so darn cute that it makes it hard to get upset at them but I sat them down and told them why I was frustrated. A few minutes later, while I was folding laundry and questioning my parenting skills😩, Jayne brought me this note “I love you Mom. You are make me happy, Love Jayne,” gave me the biggest hug and told me she was sorry. ♥️ I mean, could she be any cuter? All it takes is a smile or hug from her and I’m mush. And that note that she wrote all by herself?👏🏻 .
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I may be able to teach Jayne to put away her toys or even do her laundry one day but Jayne teaches me EVERY SINGLE DAY what’s truly important—love, kindness and compassion for others. #shemakesusbetter .
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#jaynerbug#nothingdownaboutit#downsyndrome#upsyndrome#theluckyfew#t21#sheamazesuseveryday#dsdn

As we celebrate the life of a man deeply committed to equality for all people, we can naturally think of the ways in which his impact can be felt by those who love, support, and advocate for people with developmental disabilities. We honor his life and legacy. #martinlutherkingjr#MLK 💚

If I won’t let her give up when it gets hard, I sure as hell ain’t gonna let her watch me give up! -
It took her two years to walk and lots of falling down and getting back up. It was hard for her, harder than it is for most kids. But she didn’t quit and give up! She kept getting back Up and trying again!! -
She’s not verbal yet. Talking is HARD for her, I mean really hard!! But I’ll be damned if I’m gonna give up on her or let her give up on herself!! -
Stop giving up when shit gets hard! You are setting the example for your kids whether you think they’re watching or not!
Yes, imma gonna keep preaching this until you all get it!🙌. #sorrynotsorry#dothehardstuff
@shaunt